Step 5: Everyday Rules

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In addition to countering the different psychological aspects of sexual abuse, parents can teach their children some basic, everyday do’s and don’ts to protect them. These are very concrete examples of behaviors or actions that would be inappropriate. You may choose to modify this list or add to it, depending on your particular family lifestyle and preferences. Just be sure to take into account any instances where the rule would be null and void. You want this to be a list of basic, easy to follow absolutes; it defeats the purpose if you come up with rules which have to be repeatedly qualified. For instance, “never take your clothes off for anyone” would not be a good rule, because there are too many exceptions that go along with it: “except when it’s your morn or dad”, “except when the babysitter has to give you a bath”, “except when your teacher asks you to get changed at summer camp”, “except when (fill in the blank).” When rules are taught like this, it leaves the door wide open for a molester to come along and squeeze in their own list of ‘exceptions.’ So keep your list fine tuned to easily followed absolutes.

List of Everyday Rules for Safety:

  • Grown ups keep their private area to themselves, and should never ask a child to touch them there.

  • Adults should never ask to touch a child’s personal area unless they have the parents permission.

  • Children only use their personal parts to go potty.

  • An adult should never ask you to keep something a secret from your parents, especially something that involves you.

  • It is always OK for you to ask your parents or another grown-up anytime you’re unsure or confused about something.

  • Sex is something that only grown ups should do.

Abuse prevention books for kids:

Never To Be Broken Rules   A printable PDF

More Information Abuse Prevention:


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